Congressman Smith to hold forum for students interested in attending Military Academies

Congressman Chris Smith and Freeholder Lillian Burry

Congressman Chris Smith announced that he is holding a Service Academy Information Night on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, from 5:30 to 7:30 at Naval Weapons Station Earle, 201 Highway 34 in Colts Neck, NJ.

The event is for any high school or college student (and their parents, counselors or educators) residing in the Fourth Congressional District who is interested in learning about competing for a nomination to one of the United States Service Academies. Each institution plays an integral role in training young men and women to become tomorrow’s military leaders and affords them a collegiate education opportunity of the highest quality that is free of financial obligation, providing the student graduates and fulfills his or her service obligation. The academies are:

• The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York

• The U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland

• The U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado

• The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York

• The U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut.*

Due to security restrictions on the Navy base, reservations are required by calling (732) 780-3035. All attendees over 18 must present photo ID. All drivers must present ID, auto insurance and registrat

“Throughout my tenure in Congress, I’ve had the honor and privilege of nominating many outstanding young men and women for acceptance into our nation’s military academies,” said Smith. “With the United States’ continued fight against terrorism throughout the globe and commitment to defending our homeland and protecting national security interests abroad, recruiting top-notch talent for our all-volunteer armed forces is critically important.”

Residents of New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District, between ages 17 and 22 (17-25 for the Merchant Marine Academy), who are U.S. citizens and are single with no dependents, can seek a nomination to one or more of the service academies through Congressman Smith’s office. Interested candidates can start the application process as early as the spring of their junior year in high school. Unlike the other four, the Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The following items are prohibited aboard Naval Weapons Station Earle: Mace, pepper spray, or other defensive sprays or chemicals; knives, firearms, fireworks or any explosive; illegal drugs or paraphernalia; flammable liquids; club weapons, and; animals. All electronic devices are subject to examination for functionality. The U.S. Navy reserves the right to prohibit other items not listed above.

For more information contact Mrs. Jo Schloeder or Mrs. Jill Morales at Smith’s Freehold Constituent Service Center, (732) 780-3035.